Today I felt a bit embarrassed whenever I glanced out the kitchen window. Everyone else on our lane has their vegetable patch looking pristine, but ours sits there, a right eyesore in the middle of it all. We would have sorted it by now, honestly, if it werent for my arthritis flaring and Mums back going again.
Dad shuffled in this morning, cap in handa rare sight, humility on his face. Tom, mate, any chance you could give your old mum and dad a hand with the potatoes? Must say, were a bit ashamed. Everyone else is finished, but our plot sticks out like a sore thumb. I wouldve done it myself if it werent for these blasted joints, and your mums not much better with her back.
Pulling my boots on, I muttered, Well, why do you two bother planting so many potatoes? Its not as if were hard up. Sorry, Dadcant today. Im heading into town for that meeting.
He looked about to say something sharper but just sighed and left, limping outside, grabbing the pitchfork and making his way over to the veg patch. Mum, her back wrapped in her thickest cardigan, shuffled after him.
Well then, John, do you think the children will come?
Fat chance, Dad snapped. Just get the bucket and start collecting spuds. Had five of them, but do you think any of the lot turn up to help? Pull your weight, old girl. Well at least get some work done before nightfall.
Meanwhile, my wife Sarah was giving me an earful in the kitchen. Really, what sort of children have you all turned out to be? Only ever thinking of yourselvesyoud think no one cared a jot for their parents. I swear, if my mum and dad were still here, Id be round in a flash, she sniffled.
I put an arm around her. Youre right, love. This isnt right. We all live close enough, but see each other so rarely now. Listen, Ill put in for some time off work, and you can ring the others. Lets get everyone together for once.
Sarah grabbed her phone and address book, determination steeling her voice as she called round. What do you mean, youve got work? Everyone has workthey still find time for their family. Take some time off for goodness sake. You can bring the kids along tooits far better for them out in the fresh air than stuck to their screens all day. We expect you here!
Through a mix of guilt-tripping and sternness, she got everyone to agree.
Back in the garden, old John sat down on an upturned crate to catch his breath. Well, Mary, at this rate well still be digging potatoes by Christmas. Why did we plant so many? You kept going on, What if the children need more? Where are your children now, eh? Not one of them lifts a finger. Do you remember, though? There was a time wed all pile in, and by lunch it was finished. Those were the days
Mary cocked her head. Hang on, John, do you hear that? Someones pulling up outside. Go have a look.
John hobbled toward the gate, and suddenly there was laughter and chatter over the hedge. Mary, steadying her aching back, shuffled after him.
My word! So many of us. The children and all the grandchildren. Oh, what a joy!
All right, Dad, show us where youve put the spades, forks, and buckets, called out Tom, taking charge.
Trying not to get teary, Dad yelled back, Same place theyve always beenyou havent forgotten already, have you?
Then chaos, as everyone got to work. Some dug, some gathered potatoes, others stacked them under the lean-to to dry. Mum was finally told to go back inside and rest, but she couldnt help herselfshed pop out, directing, advising, keeping an eye on things as only she could.
Even the daughters-in-law rolled up their sleeves and started planning what delicious things to cook for everyone afterwards. The garden was full of laughter.
Remember, Tom, laughed Sam, that time you lobbed a potato at my forehead when we were kids? Think fast, paybacks coming!
Dad grumbled playfully, What are you lot doing, mucking about? Youre all grown men and women but still act like children in the garden.
By the end, the patch was pristine, all the weeds bundled up, and potatoes stacked neatly beneath the shelter. Just in time for a well-earned lunch.
We pulled the big table into the sun, food and tea making the rounds as stories of childhood came out. Mary dabbed her eyes every now and thenso proud of her lot. As the neighbours strolled by, they waved and complimented us. Some quietly wished their own would visit more often.
Quietly, Sarah leaned over to me. What did you tell work?
I squeezed her shoulder. Told them Mum and Dad needed help. They let me go straight awaytold me you never turn down your parents when they need a hand.
Amongst all the day-to-day rush, its easy to forget our mums and dads arent getting any youngerand sometimes theyre too shy or proud to ask. But being together like this means the world to them, and to us, too.
